Template.net



PREPARATION OF COST PROPOSAL

1. Introduction

The intention of this Task Order is to obtain the work described herein by means of a (**********) contract

(a) The Government will pay actual costs incurred as specified in the contract. The contemplated resultant contract shall be written in a manner that is consistent with the Offeror’s normal, disclosed, and/or approved estimating and accounting practices.

(b) Prospective subcontractors shall submit proprietary cost data in a sealed envelope through the Prime Offeror. The Prime Offeror is responsible for submitting a comprehensive proposal including all required subcontractor proposals.

(c) The Government assumes that adequate price competition may exist, thereby negating the need for submission of certified cost and pricing data with this proposal submission. (See FAR 15.403-1). It is anticipated that the amount and types of data required at this time will be adequate to determine price reasonableness.

(d) Only minimal information other than cost or pricing data necessary to establish a price shall be requested at this time (See FAR 15.403-3 and 52.215-20). Additional cost information will not be requested unless proposed prices appear unreasonable or unrealistically low given the Offeror’s proposed approach and there are concerns that the contractor may default; and/or if only one proposal is received in response to the solicitation (See FAR 15.403-1(c)). Offerors will be advised if additional data is needed (See FAR 15.403-3).

(e) The cost proposal will encompass all costs associated with the requirements of the contemplated task and will comply with applicable FAR, NFS, and governing statutory requirements.

(f) Because equitable and appropriate cost allocation is required for Government contracts, it is expected that Offerors and their subcontractors will estimate and price their proposals using approved estimating, pricing and accounting systems, in accordance with their Disclosure Statement (if applicable). An important prerequisite for the award of the task order is the Offeror’s accounting system being capable of identifying and segregating costs. While these proposals are not required to be cost certifiable, they are to be in sufficient detail to allow direct and indirect rate verification and audit of selected costs by their cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency offices.

(g) Comprehensive audits of the Offeror and any of the subcontractor’s proposals may occur should there be adequate reasons for undertaking the effort to ensure a fair and reasonable price to the Government. The decision to perform comprehensive audits will be made on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the proposals.

(h) For cost proposal instruction purposes only, “subcontractors” shall include the definition of an Offeror’s interdivisional and/or intercompany effort and are they are considered to be a “subcontractor” related effort. Major subcontractors are defined for the task orders only as those subcontractors having a total contract value equal to or greater than $2,000,000.00 ($2M) (at any tier) for the inclusive effort per individual task order. Minor subcontractors are defined for the task orders only as those subcontractors having a total contract value less than $2M and greater than $1,000,000.00 for the inclusive effort per individual task order.

(i) A “detailed cost proposal” is considered all Excel Pricing Model (EPM) Workbooks and respective Templates (reference Table L-3)

(j) Should there be discrepancies between an Offeror’s electronic and hardcopy version of their cost proposal data, the hard copy version takes precedence over all electronic versions of the proposal. Further, should there be discrepancies between the Offeror’s Pricing Model (OPM) and the Offeror’s Excel Pricing Model (EPM) data, the EPM takes precedence. Any discrepancies between the OPM and EPM shall be clearly explained in Part 1, Section 2 of the Cost Proposal.

(k) Electronic copies of the EPM, OPM and BOEs proposals shall be prepared and submitted in Microsoft Office 2007 or compatible older editions of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and Power Point), and Microsoft Project 2007. Adobe Acrobat software and files in PDF format are not acceptable. All electronic files must be searchable and will not contain scanned documents.

2. General Instructions

(a) The Offeror shall use the start date of for the pricing of the task orders.

(b) In addition to the Offeror, any major subcontract having a potential estimated total value in excess of $2M per individual task order, complete Cost Volumes containing BOEs must be provided for that subcontract following the subsequently specified format.

(c) The Cost volume for the Offeror and major subcontractors shall consist of four separate parts, with each part consisting of various sections. Each part and section shall be clearly tabbed and labeled. Table L-1 outlines the structure of the four parts and their respective sections.

|Table L-1 |

|Cost Volume—Part 1: General Cost Information |

|Section 1—Cover Page and Table of Contents |

|Section 2—(RESERVED) |

|Section 3—Supporting Data for Information Other Than Cost and Pricing Data |

|Section 4—Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 13 Analysis |

|Section 5—Copies of Subcontractor Analysis |

|Section 6—Systems Reviews and Status Information |

|Section 7—Profit Determination |

|Cost Volume—Part 2: Excel Pricing Model (EPM) |

|Section 8—Workbooks |

|Cost Data Template |

|CAOT |

|Cost Volume—Part 3: Offeror Pricing Model |

|Section 9—Offeror Pricing Model |

|Cost Volume – Part 4: Contractor Basis of Estimate |

|Section 10—Contractor Basis of Estimate (BOE) |

(d) The cost proposal shall include a table of contents for ready reference to key parts, figures, and illustrations. For convenience, the cost proposal may be divided into separate binders, provided they are properly identified as such, e.g., “Cost Proposal Part I”, and must adhere to all other proposal format and page limitations instructions given herein. Cost Proposal Part 4 shall be in separate binders for ease of use during proposal evaluation. For Part 2, each of the workbooks shall be clearly tabbed.

(e) All dollar amounts provided shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. All labor rates shall be rounded to the nearest penny, $xx.xx. All rates (indirect percentages) shall be to the second decimal place, xx.xx percent.

(f) A Work Year Equivalent (WYE) is defined as follows: the proposed productive hours needed to comprise one average full time employee. A WYE may be comprised of one employee or several part time employees. Productive labor hours are defined as follows: the total available hours for productive work in a year, excluding overtime and paid time off (vacation, holiday, etc.).

| |Example – WYE Annual Productive Hours | |

| | | |

|Work Year Hours |2,080 | |

|Vacation |(120) | |

|Sick Leave / Jury Duty |(16) | |

|Holidays |(80) | |

|WYE Annual Productive Hours |1,864 | |

(g) Offerors are to propose all costs on a contract year basis. Calendar and Government fiscal year cost break-downs are not required and shall not be submitted with the Cost proposals.

(h) The Offeror shall propose costs in real year (then year) dollars.

3. Specific Instructions

Cost Volume, Part 1—General Cost Instructions

Section 1, Cover Page—The Offeror and major subcontractors; in addition to a Table of Contents, shall provide the following information on the cover page of the cost proposal:

(a) Contract/Task number

(b) Name, address, and telephone number of Offeror

(c) Name, title and telephone number of Offeror’s point of contact

(d) Type of contract, place(s) and period(s) of performance

(e) The total proposed cost, fee and total amount per individual task order.

(f) Name, address, telephone and fax number of the Government cognizant contract audit office (DCAA)

(g) Name, address, telephone and fax number of the Government cognizant contract administration office (DCMA)

(h) Name and title of authorized representative of the company, and date of submission.

Section 2, (RESERVED)

Section 3, Supporting Data for Information Other Than Cost and Pricing Data – The Offeror and all Major Subcontractors for the Task Order shall provide a pricing narrative for all proposed cost elements that explains in detail all pricing and estimating techniques, discloses the basis of all projections including a detailed explanation of learning curve application, rates, ratios, percentages, and cost estimating relationship factors, and explains all judgmental elements of cost projections. As a minimum, this includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) The Offerors are required to propose realistic direct labor and labor escalation rates. Offerors shall provide adequate documentation in support of all proposed direct labor rates. Wage/salary increases shall be in compliance with any applicable union agreements, collective bargaining agreement, wage determination, etc. Include the rationale and methodology used for the annual escalation rate development including escalation assumptions, sources of projections, how these rates are reflective of your prior company experience, and how they relate to your total compensation package.

(b) Offerors are required to propose realistic WYE staffing. Offerors shall provide adequate documentation in support of all proposed direct labor WYE, productive labor hours and learning curve application for recurring labor.

(c) If Offerors propose the use of uncompensated overtime, identify hours of uncompensated overtime proposed by the Offeror’s labor category, provide a written summary of the total hours of uncompensated overtime by labor category discussed above, and provide adequate narrative supporting BOE.

(d) Offerors shall utilize any established Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) or Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP) in development of this cost proposal. For all FPRA and FPRP utilized in an Offeror’s cost proposal, the Offeror is to provide a statement identifying the agreement by report number, date issued, and the issuing agency’s office and phone number. A copy (PDF files are acceptable) of the FPRA and/or FPRP are to be included. Should an Offeror deviate from the published FPRA or FPRP, a written explanation and justification shall be included in the supporting information, stating the rationale and methodology used for the varying rate development and indicating a clear description of the projected rate.

(e) Offerors that do not have established FPRA/FPRP are required to provide a narrative rationale explaining all proposed indirect rates, any assumptions, and basis of applications, as part of this section. Additionally, Offerors shall complete and submit an “Overhead Template (OHT)” for each proposed indirect rate, and a “General and Administrative Template (GAT)” for all of their G&A rate(s). The OHT and GAT templates can found in the EPM, and shall be submitted with the EPM.

(f) The Offeror is required to propose realistic material and other direct costs. The Offeror shall provide adequate documentation in support of all proposed direct non labor costs items.

(g) The Offeror shall provide a description of proposed fee structure for the Task Order.

Section 4, Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 13 Analysis—Prime Offerors and all Major Subcontractors shall perform and submit a FAS 13 analysis, as required by FAR 31.205-11 and FAR 31.205-36, in determining the classification of a lease as operating or capital. This applies only to facilities and capital equipment proposed to be utilized during the performance of the Task Order.

Section 5, Copies of Subcontractor Analysis—The Offeror and all Major Subcontractors shall perform and submit a copy of a cost and/or price analysis of their subcontractors as required by FAR 15.404-3(b). The analysis shall provide details and a discussion on all adjustments made to the subcontractor’s cost proposal, including any adjustments based on technical findings, rate adjustments, and fee adjustments. The analysis shall provide a discussion on the use, or non-use of any adjustments based on Offeror history with the Subcontractor.

Section 6, Systems Reviews and Status Information

(a) The Offeror and all Major Subcontractors shall provide information related to their:

(i) Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Disclosure Statement,

(ii) Contractor’s Estimating System Review (CESR),

(iii) Contractor’s Procurement System Review (CPSR),

(iv) Contractor’s Employee Compensation System Review (CECSR),

(v) Contractor’s Accounting Systems.

(b) The Offeror shall identify the type of review, including the results of the review, the cognizant Government agency performing the review, audit report number, date of the review, agency phone number, systems approvals status, and the last date of a systems approval.

Section 7, This effort is utilizing a ********** structure. The goal of the ***** structure is to assure sufficient fee is available to operate as an effective incentive to ensure excellent performance at a reasonable cost. Offerors shall discuss and justify their major subcontractor’s fee/profit amounts in the cost volume Part 2. Offerors are encouraged to but are not required to use the NASA Structured Approach for determining the proposed fee (NASA Form 634 and accompanying guidelines) providing the document in their cost volume Part 2.

Cost Volume, Part 2—Excel Pricing Model (EPM)

(a) To ensure a consistent evaluation among Offerors, NASA is providing seven (7) Microsoft Excel files/workbooks designed to capture proposed cost information in an automated and standardized format. The 3 Microsoft Excel workbooks are shown in Table L-2 below.

|Table L-2 |

|Excel Pricing Model (EPM) |

|# |Workbook Name |Excel File Name |Hardcopy Location |

|1 |Cost Data Template |CostDataTemplate.xls |Appendix *** |

|2 |CAOT |CAOT.xls |Appendix *** |

(b) Workbook names included in an Offeror’s EPM shall begin with the company name’s first three letters followed by a hyphen and the workbooks file name. Below is an example of how company “ABC” would name their EPM workbooks:

Example: “ABC- CostDataTemplate.xls”

(c) The Offeror shall use the cost template acronyms, shown below in Table L-4.

|Table L-3 |

|Template Acronyms |

|Cost Workbook(s) |

|LH-RT- Labor Hour - Rate Template |

|ILCT- Indirect Labor Cost Template |

|IRT- Indirect Rate Template |

|Profit – Profit Template |

|OICT – Other Indirect Cost Template |

|PST – Summary Cost Data |

|CST - Cost Summary Template |

|MCT - Material Cost Template |

|SCT - Subcontractor Cost Template |

|ODCT – Other Direct Cost Template |

|TCT - Travel Cost Template |

|OHT - Overhead Template |

|GAT - General and Administrative Template |

|CAOT - Cognizant Audit Office Template |

d) The EPM shall be integrated to facilitate changes to source data such as direct labor hours and/or rates, overhead and G&A rates, etc., and be sophisticated enough to compute the total impact of various changes to both cost and price. For example; the model must be able to compute the cost and price impact of increasing/decreasing the number of WYEs, or increasing/decreasing the overhead rate(s).

e) When multiple versions of the same template are required, Offerors shall submit the multiple templates inside one worksheet stacked vertically.

f) All formulas used in the EPM shall be clearly visible in the individual cells and verifiable. Whereas linking among the spreadsheets or workbooks may be necessary, the use of external links (source data not provided to NASA) of any kind is prohibited. The EPM shall not contain any macros and/or hidden cells. Additionally, the EPM shall not be locked / protected and / or secured by passwords.

g) Offerors can modify the EPM by adding columns and rows to fit their proposal information as necessary. The EPM shall contain Offeror introduced several self-calculating cells and it shall summarize totals. In general, yellow areas require Offeror input while grey areas either contain a Government provided formula or require a formula to be added by the Offeror. In selective templates, example entries are provided and identified in red numbers. These example entries must be removed prior to the use of a template.

h) Workbooks specific instructions are as follows:

i. Cost Summary Template (CST): is designed to summarize the total price (fee included) for each individual task order effort. Input is from the other tab templates.

ii. Labor Hours-Rate Template (LH-RT): shall identify productive labor hour(s) and direct costs itemized by labor skill category (e.g., Engineer 1, Engineer 2, Lab Tech, etc.) summarized by contract year. A summary at the contract level by contract year shall be provided for all labor. Offerors are to insert rows in the worksheet for each labor skill for additional labor categories.

iii. Overhead Template (OHT): discloses the Offeror’s overhead rate development and discreet elements by the Offeror’s fiscal year and prior three years actual. The fiscal year rates are converted to CY rates. The CY OH rates shall be the same as the ILCT tab indirect rates used to calculate the Overhead costs. Offerors utilizing a FPRA or FPRR are required only to identify the agreed to rate and do not have to provide detailed break outs of the proposed rate. The OHT template shall be provided with the FPRA or FPRR agreement identified therein.

iv. Other Indirect Cost Template (OICT): discloses the Offeror’s indirect rate development and discreet elements by the Offeror’s fiscal year and prior three years actual for rates other than overhead rates. The fiscal year rates are converted to CY rates. The CY OIC rates shall be the same as the ILCT tab indirect rates used to calculate the indirect costs. Offerors utilizing a FPRA or FPRR are required only to identify the agreed to rate and do not have to provide detailed break outs of the proposed rate. The OHT template shall be provided with the FPRA or FPRR agreement identified therein.

v. Material Cost Template (MCT): material costs shall be identified by vendor and CY. The total amount shown on this template shall equal the amount proposed in the cost summary workbook.

vi. Subcontractor Cost Template (SCCT): identifies the major and minor subcontractor proposed costs by task order by CY. The total Subcontractor Costs shall be the same as the amount shown on the CST templates for the task order. Miscellaneous sub contractors, inclusive contract costs less than $200,000.00 per subcontractor per task order, may be summarized as a single line per WBS. Subcontractor cost shall be the same amount as shown on the CST tab.

vii. Supply Cost Template (SCY): This template is required for each prime offeror, teaming partner, joint venture partner, or proposed major subcontractor that meets the major subcontractor threshold ($2,000,000 costs). This template shall be provided for each level specified in the cost proposal instructions, by contract year. Offerors are to insert rows in the worksheet for each supply item, summarize the costs by contract year at the appropriate level

viii. Other Direct Cost Template (ODCT): other direct costs are identified by vendor by individual task order and CY. The total amount shown on this template shall equal the amount proposed in the CST tab.

ix. Travel Cost Template (TCT): identifies the Offeror’s travel costs by task order. The total amount shall be the same as the amount shown on the CST templates for each individual task order.

x. General and Administrative (GAT): discloses the Offeror’s G&A rate development and discreet elements by the Offeror’s fiscal year and prior three years actual. The fiscal year rates are converted to CY rates. The CY GAT rates shall be the same as the IRT tab indirect rates used to calculate the G&A costs. Offerors utilizing a FPRA or FPRR are required only to identify the agreed to rate and do not have to provide detailed break outs of the proposed rate. The OHT template shall be provided with the FPRA or FPRR agreement identified therein.

xi. Indirect Rate Tab (IRT): This tab shall identify all indirect rates categories by contract year.

xii. Indirect Labor Cost Template (ILCT): is designed to calculate the indirect labor costs associated with the Offeror’s direct labor costs by Task Order by CY.

xiii. Indirect Cost Template (ICT): is designed to calculate the indirect costs associate with the non labor recourses direct costs. The ICT costs shall equal the Task Order, G&A, COM and other indirect costs amounts on the CST.

xiv. Cognizant Audit Office Template (CAOT): This template is designed to capture relevant information concerning (1) the specific location (address or addresses for prime and proposed major subcontractors where auditable cost information physically resides that supports amounts proposed; (2) the person or persons (name, address, phone number, and e-mail address) who can be contacted by DCAA to provide audit information for the prime Offeror, (3) the person or persons (name, address, phone number, and e-mail address) who can be contacted by DCAA to provide audit information for companies, partners (in a teaming, joint venture or partnership situation) or proposed major subcontractor(s); and (4) the name and address of the cognizant DCAA field audit office to which electronic and hardcopy proposals were sent.

Cost Volume Part 3—Offeror’s Pricing Model (OPM)

a) The Offeror’s Pricing Model (OPM) shall be time-phased by Contract year, and separated by individual task order. Additionally, it should follow the format specified in Table 15-2 of FAR 15.408. Offerors may incorporate as many of the EPM templates as necessary and/or desired.

b) The OPM shall be true self-calculating spreadsheet files that allow for easy cost adjustments arising from changes in types, quantities, rates, factors, etc. The submission of scanned documents inserted into document applications such as Adobe PDF or MS Word DOC files is prohibited. All documents in an OPM shall be searchable and capable of being manipulated. These instructions, including the requirements for detailed cost and substantiation information are equally applicable to the Prime Offeror and all Major Subcontractors.

c) The Offeror’s Pricing Model may be omitted should an Offeror determine the EPM templates provide adequate cost estimate information for an evaluation of the proposed Task Order costs. A written statement shall be included stating reasons for and fully justifying the omission of the OPM. Adequate justification shall be included stating the Offeror has provided a free standing detailed cost estimate at a level commensurate for an auditable Task Order cost estimate.

Cost Volume—Part 4 Contractor Basis of Estimate (BOE)

The Offeror and proposed major subcontractors shall submit a separate BOE part in the cost volume. The purpose of this part is to give the Government insight into the thought processes and methodologies used by the Offeror in estimating the labor skill mix by labor hours, other direct costs, etc., required for successful performance on this contract for the cost estimates. Emphasis should be placed on a description of the processes and methodologies themselves, and how these relate to the technical approach described in the proposal. The BOE part shall be at the same WBS level as the cost proposal. The Offeror shall include a matrix allowing traceability to the Technical Understanding and other pertinent parts of this Cost Proposal. The information provided under this part will be used to assess the reasonableness and realism of the Offeror’s estimate and will be utilized in developing the Government’s most probable cost rationale.

As a minimum a BOE shall address elements as follows:

a) Narrative explaining how you arrived at your estimate of labor hours, including: if your estimate was based on similar program(s), in which case, identify and provide a reason why the programs are similar; a standard, in which case, identify the standard and explain if it is from the industry, your company, or a product; or engineering judgment, in which case, explain the philosophies used.

b) Complexity factors utilized - all factors must be defined; explain the rationale for their use and basis of the factor.

c) Use of any other cost-estimating relationships to include learning curve analysis; explain the rationale for their use and basis of the factor.

d) How subcontracts were estimated. Please note if you have experience with the proposed subcontractor(s).

e) Data to support cost volume labor rates, labor hours by skill, travel requirements, and other direct costs. The BOE should explain the genesis of the labor categories including the rationale for the entire skill mix and evolved skill mix.

f) Data to support materials costs and the methodology utilized to estimate the types and quantities for these items as they relate to the Cost Volume. Explain the use of decrements to vendor quotes based on historical experiences or other rationale.

g) Data to support subcontractor costs and the methodology utilized to estimate the types and quantities for these items as they relate to the Cost Volume. Explain the use of decrements to vendor quotes based on historical experiences or other rationale.

h) Provide a list of subcontractors and an award schedule showing when the subcontract will be awarded and the start or arrival date of the subcontract effort.

i) For software explain the rationale for and estimates used for new, modified, re-used and programmer productivity.

Attachment — Two Excel Pricing Templates:

|Attachment L-1 |Cost Data Template |CostDataTemplate.xls |

|Attachment L-2 |CAOT |CAOT.xls |

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download